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At least 541 records · Page 30
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Submegahertz frequency-stablized Nd:YAG oscillator

The operation of a 5-msec, quasi-continuous wave (CW) 10-Hz repetition-rate pulsed single-frequency Nd:YAG oscillator with a feedback stabilized frequency bandwidth of less than 200 kHz is described. The major problems associated with frequency stabilization for quasi-CW operation, frequency chirp and maintenance of the frequency control signal, are described, and the design of a wide-bandwidth frequency locking system with a search and chirp compensation loop is given. This frequency stabilized oscillator is a potentially useful laser source for atmospheric wind velocity measurements by coherent lidar Doppler velocimetry, which require a laser source with less than 1 MHz linewidth, and also has applications in high-resolution nonlinear spectroscopic studies at Fourier-transform-limited linewidths.

Sun, Y. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A new hydrodynamic analysis of double layers

A genuine two-fluid model of plasmas with collisions permits the calculation of dynamic (not necessarily static) electric fields and double layers inside of plasmas including oscillations and damping. For the first time a macroscopic model for coupling of electromagnetic and Langmuir waves was achieved with realistic damping. Starting points were laser-produced plasmas showing very high dynamic electric fields in nonlinear force-produced cavitous and inverted double layers in agreement with experiments. Applications for any inhomogeneous plasma as in laboratory or in astrophysical plasmas can then be followed up by a transparent hydrodynamic description. Results are the rotation of plasmas in magnetic fields and a new second harmonic resonance, explanation of the measured inverted double layers, explanation of the observed density-independent, second harmonics emission from laser-produced plasmas, and a laser acceleration scheme by the very high fields of the double layers.

Hora, Heinrich↗
NASA NTRS1987

Multiperiodic irradiance changes caused by r-modes and g-modes

More than 20 real periodicities ranging from 20 days to 2 years modulate the solar irradiance data accumulated since November 1978 by Nimbus 7. Many are quite strong during the first three years (solar maximum) and weak after that. There is a high correspondence between periods in irradiance and 28 periods predicted from the rotation and beating of global solar oscillations (r-modes and g-modes). Angular states l = 1, 2, and 3 are detected as well as some unresolved r-mode power at higher l. The prominence of beat periods implies a nonlinear system whose effective nonlinear power was measured to be about 2. This analysis constitutes a detection of r-modes in the sun, and determines from them a mean sidereal rotation rate for the convective envelope of 459 + or - 4 nHz which converts to a period of 25.2 days (27.1d, synodic).

Wolff, Charles L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Concepts, analysis and development for precision deployable space structures

Several issues surrounding the development of large Precision Segmented Reflector (PSR) designs are investigated. The concerns include nonlinear dynamics of large unruly masses such as the multi-layer thermal insulation of sunshades for instruments such as the precision pointing 20-m-diameter Large Deployable Reflector (LDR). A study of the residual oscillations after bang-bang reorientation maneuvers of a rigid satellite with a string appendage is presented. Application is made to the design of a sunshade (thermal blanket) for the LDE satellite. Another concern is the development of a deployable truss that has minimum structural redundancy (such as the tetrahedral truss) and that can be configured with planar and doubly curved geometries. A kinematically synchronized articulation scheme for a deployable tetrahedral truss is presented. Called the Tetrapac, this truss is currently limited to a planar configuration that has two rings. The final concern is the development and demonstration of hardware that enables astronauts to attach large, cumbersome, and fragile precision reflector segments to an erectable truss structure. This task must be accomplished with a high degree of precision and with relative ease. A design for a Panel Attachment Device (PAD) was developed and manufactured for neutral buoyancy simulations to be performed by LaRC.

Miller, Richard K.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Studies in Thermocapillary Convection of the Marangoni-Benard Type

The effects of imposed nonlinear oscillatory shear upon the onset of Marangoni-Bernard convection, as predicted by linear theory, in a layer of liquid with a deformable free surface were reported upon by Or and Kelly for small amplitude oscillations. Depending on the operating conditions, either stabilization or destabilization might occur. The aim of the current paper is to report the results for finite amplitude imposed oscillations so that the actual amount of stabilization or destabilization can be determined for prescribed operating conditions.

Kelly, Robert E.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Hybrid Wing Body Model Identification Using Forced-Oscillation Water Tunnel Data

Static and dynamic testing of the NASA 0.7 percent scale Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) configuration was conducted in the Rolling Hills Research Corporation water tunnel to investigate aerodynamic behavior over a large range of angle-of-attack and to develop models that can predict aircraft response in nonlinear unsteady flight regimes. This paper reports primarily on the longitudinal axis results. Flow visualization tests were also performed. These tests provide additional static data and new dynamic data that complement tests conducted at NASA Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel. HWB was developed to support the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project goals of lower noise, emissions, and fuel burn. This study also supports the NASA Aviation Safety Program efforts to model and control advanced transport configurations in loss-of-control conditions.

Murphy, Patrick C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Evolution of weak disturbances in inert binary mixtures

The evolution of weak disturbances in inert binary mixtures is determined for the one-dimensional piston problem. The interaction of the dissipative and nonlinear mechanisms is described by Burgers' equation. The binary mixture diffusion mechanisms enter as an additive term in an effective diffusivity. Results for the impulsive motion of a piston moving into an ambient medium and the sinusoidally oscillating piston are used to illustrate the results and elucidate the incorrect behavior pertaining to the associated linear theory.

Rasmussen, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Maximum Normalized Rate as a Flying Qualities Parameter

Discrete attitude commands have become a standard task for flying qualities evaluation and control system testing. Much pilot opinion data is now available for ground-based and in-flight simulations, but adequate performance measures and prediction methods have not been established. The Step Target Tracking Prediction method, introduced in 1978, correlated time-on-target and rms tracking data with NT-33 in-flight longitudinal simulations, but did not employ parameters easily measured in manned flight and simulation. Recent application of the Step Target Tracking Prediction method to lateral flying qualities analysis has led to a new measure of performance. This quantity, called Maximum Normalized Rate (MNR), reflects the greatest attitude rate a pilot can employ during a discrete maneuver without excessive overshoot and oscillation. MNR correlates NT-33 lateral pilot opinion ratings well, and is easily measured during flight test or simulation. Futhermore, the Step Target MNR method can be used to analyze large amplitude problems concerning rate limiting and nonlinear aerodynamics.

Onstott, E. D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Resonance absorption of magnetohydrodynamic surface waves Physical discussion

It is shown how the phenomenon of MHD surface wave resonance absorption can be described in simple terms, both physically and mathematically, by applying the 'thin flux tube equations' to the finite-thickness transition layer which supports the surface wave. The thin flux tubes support incompressible slow-mode waves that are driven by fluctuations in the total pressure which exist due to the presence of the surface wave. It is shown that the equations for the slow-mode waves can be reduced to a simple equation, equivalent to a driven harmonic oscillator. Certain field lines within the transition layer are equivalent to a harmonic oscillator driven at resonance, and neighboring field lines are effectively driven at resonance as long as a given condition is satisfied. Thus, a layer which secularly extracts energy from the surface wave develops. The analysis indicates that nonlinear effects may destroy the resonance which is crucial to the whole effect.

Hollweg, Joseph V.↗
NASA NTRS1988

An adaptive pseudospectral method for discontinuous problems

The accuracy of adaptively chosen, mapped polynomial approximations is studied for functions with steep gradients or discontinuities. It is shown that, for steep gradient functions, one can obtain spectral accuracy in the original coordinate system by using polynomial approximations in a transformed coordinate system with substantially fewer collocation points than are necessary using polynomial expansion directly in the original, physical, coordinate system. It is also shown that one can avoid the usual Gibbs oscillation associated with steep gradient solutions of hyperbolic pde's by approximation in suitably chosen coordinate systems. Continuous, high gradient solutions are computed with spectral accuracy (as measured in the physical coordinate system). Discontinuous solutions associated with nonlinear hyperbolic equations can be accurately computed by using an artificial viscosity chosen to smooth out the solution in the mapped, computational domain. Thus, shocks can be effectively resolved on a scale that is subgrid to the resolution available with collocation only in the physical domain. Examples with Fourier and Chebyshev collocation are given.

Augenbaum, Jeffrey M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

An adaptive pseudospectral method for discontinuous problems

The accuracy of adaptively chosen, mapped polynomial approximations is studied for functions with steep gradients or discontinuities. It is shown that, for steep gradient functions, one can obtain spectral accuracy in the original coordinate system by using polynomial approximations in a transformed coordinate system with substantially fewer collocation points than are necessary using polynomial expansion directly in the original, physical, coordinate system. It is also shown that one can avoid the usual Gibbs oscillation associated with steep gradient solutions of hyperbolic pde's by approximation in suitably chosen coordinate systems. Continuous, high gradient solutions are computed with spectral accuracy (as measured in the physical coordinate system). Discontinuous solutions associated with nonlinear hyperbolic equations can be accurately computed by using an artificial viscosity chosen to smooth out the solution in the mapped, computational domain. Thus, shocks can be effectively resolved on a scale that is subgrid to the resolution available with collocation only in the physical domain. Examples with Fourier and Chebyshev collocation are given.

Augenbaum, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Numerical simulations of thermal instabilities in stratified gases. II - Exploration of the parameter space

The temporal evolution of density perturbations in an initially hydrostatic isothermal atmosphere consisting of an optically thin radiating compressible plasma is studied. Numerical techniques are used to describe the nonlinear evolution of the perturbations, and the relative equilibrium between dynamic and thermal instabilities as governed by three independent control parameters are examined, namely, the initial density contrast of the perturbation, the ratio of the local buoyancy oscillation period to the local radiative cooling time, and the ratio of the perturbation radius to the local scaleheight. Four orders of magnitude of initial density contrasts and ratios of buoyancy and cooling times, and one order of magnitude of the bubble dimensions are explored. Well-defined oscillations were found to occur in a limited parameter range, and thermal instability to occur even within secondary condensations deriving from the bubble fragmentation.

Reale, F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Maximum Normalized Rate as a Flying Qualities Parameter

Discrete attitude commands have become a standard task for flying qualities evaluation and control system testing. Much pilot opinion data is now available for ground-based and in-flight simulations, but adequate performance measures and prediction methods have not been established. The Step Target Tracking Prediction method, introduced in 1978, correlated time-on-target and rms tracking data with NT-33 in-flight longitudinal simulations, but did not employ parameters easily measured in manned flight and simulation. Recent application of the Step Target Tracking Prediction method to lateral flying qualities analysis has led to a new measure of performance. This quantity, called Maximum Normalized Rate (MNR), reflects the greatest attitude rate a pilot can employ during a discrete maneuver without excessive overshoot and oscillation. MNR correlates NT-33 lateral pilot opinion ratings well, and is easily measured during night test or simulation. Furthermore, the Step Target MNR method can be used to analyze large amplitude problems concerning rate limiting and nonlinear aerodynamics.

Onstott, E. D.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Nonlinear production of suprathermal tails in auroral electrons

New rocket data on auroral electron energy spectra are presented. Two regions of the aurora are sharply defined: the peak energy region, called the beam, and a strongly altitude-dependent tail of slowed-down secondary and backscattered electrons. It is shown that the oscillating two-stream instability described by Papadopoulos and Coffey (1974) accounts for the observed features of the tail.

Matthews, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Coherent receiver employing nonlinear coherence detection for carrier tracking

The concept of nonlinear coherence employed in carrier tracking to improve telecommunications efficiency is disclosed. A generic tracking loop for a coherent receiver is shown having seven principle feedback signals which may be selectively added and applied to a voltage controlled oscillator to produce a reference signal that is phase coherent with a received carrier. An eighth feedback signal whose nonrandom components are coherent with the phase detected and filtered carrier may also be added to exploit the sideband power of the received signal. A ninth feedback signal whose nonrandom components are also coherent with the quadrature phase detected and filtered carrier could be additionally or alternatively included in the composite feedback signal to the voltage controlled oscillator.

Lindsey, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

New results on the PLL false lock phenomenon

Conditions, based on the multipliers of a linear differential equation with periodic coefficients, for the occurrence of false lock in a phase lock loop (PLL) are presented. Two new and powerful algorithms are presented for computing the frequency difference between the reference and voltage controlled oscillator when the loop is false locked. The first algorithm expresses omega f sup -1 as a power series in the closed loop gain. The second algorithm expresses omega sup -1 as part of a solution to a nonlinear algebraic system of equations which can be solved by numerical methods. The power of both algorithms is illustrated by application and comparison.

Stensby, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Growth of new materials for solid state laser applications. The growth of ZnGeP2 by the vertical Bridgman method

This is the final technical report on the cooperative NASA program 'Growth of New Materials for Solid State Laser Applications,' covering the period from 9-1-86 through 3-31-91. The first two and one half years of the program, from 9-1-86 through 3-31-89, was devoted to the development of new eye-safe laser sources. Single crystal fibers of rare earth doped and co-doped YAG were grown by the laser-heated pedestal growth method, characterized for their structural properties and supplied to NASA/Langley for spectroscopic evaluation. From 4-1-89 though 3-31-91, research focused on the growth of zinc germanium phosphide for nonlinear optical applications in the IR. The vertical Bridgman growth process was evaluated as a means to achieve better control over the short wavelength optical absorption in this material that adversely affects 2 micron-pumped optical parametric oscillators.

Feigelson, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Linear/nonlinear behavior in unsteady transonic aerodynamics

The accurate calculation of the aerodynamic forces in unsteady transonic flow requires the solution of the nonlinear flow equations. The aeroelastician, on the other hand, seeks to treat his problems (flutter, for example) by means of linear equations whenever possible. He may do this, even when the underlying flow is nonlinear, if the perturbation forces are linear over some (perhaps small) range of unsteady amplitude of motion. This paper assesses the range of parameters over which linear behavior occurs. In particular calculations are made for an NACA 64A006 airfoil oscillating in pitch over a range of amplitudes, frequencies, and Mach numbers. The primary aerodynamic method used is the well known LTRAN2 code of Ballhaus and Goorjian that provides a finite-difference solution to the low frequency, small disturbance, two-dimensional potential flow equation. Comparisons are made with linear subsonic theory, local linearization, and, for steady flow, with the full potential equation code of Bauer, Garabedian, and Korn.

Dowell, E. H.↗